Sony BRAVIA 8 Review: The Movie Lover's OLED TV

While LG and Samsung often dominate the OLED conversation, Sony has consistently carved out a space at the high end, focusing on one thing above all else: cinematic picture processing. The Sony BRAVIA 8 II is the latest challenger in the premium OLED market, aiming to deliver a viewing experience that is as close to the filmmaker's original intent as possible. Powered by their renowned XR Processor, this TV isn't just about bright colors; it's about accuracy, realism, and a truly immersive picture.

Sony BRAVIA 8 II 65 Inch TV

4.8 / 5.0

A masterclass in picture processing, delivering incredibly realistic colors and unparalleled detail for a true cinematic experience at home.

$2,798.00

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Design: Minimalist and Versatile

Sony's design philosophy is one of understated elegance. The BRAVIA 8 II features a minimalist "One Slate" design with incredibly thin bezels that keep your focus locked on the picture. The build quality is exceptional, with premium materials and a solid feel. One of the standout features is the versatile 4-way stand. It can be set up in a standard wide stance, a narrow stance for smaller furniture, or raised to accommodate a soundbar underneath the screen—a thoughtful touch that adds a lot of flexibility.

The back of the TV features a clean grid pattern that helps conceal cables, maintaining a tidy look from all angles. It's a sophisticated and practical design that will complement any modern living space.

Picture Quality: The Processor is King

While the BRAVIA 8 II uses a standard WOLED panel similar to many competitors, its secret weapon is the XR Processor. This powerful chip is the brain behind the TV's stunning picture quality, analyzing every scene to optimize color, contrast, and clarity with a level of nuance that is simply unmatched. Sony's processing excels at producing an incredibly natural and realistic image.

Where other TVs might oversaturate colors for a "wow" effect, the BRAVIA 8 II delivers a picture that is faithful to the director's vision. Skin tones are remarkably accurate, and subtle details in dark scenes are rendered with breathtaking precision.

The TV supports Dolby Vision, and its HDR performance is fantastic, with bright highlights that pop against the perfect blacks of the OLED panel. Gamers will be pleased with the inclusion of two HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting 4K/120Hz and VRR. Sony also includes "Perfect for PlayStation 5" features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping for an optimized gaming experience right out of the box.

Features and Sound

The BRAVIA 8 II runs on the Google TV smart platform, which is a huge plus. It's fast, easy to navigate, and offers a massive library of apps and content with excellent personalized recommendations. The included remote is compact and premium, with backlit buttons for easy use in the dark.

Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology is another standout feature. Instead of traditional speakers, the entire screen vibrates to produce sound, making it seem like the audio is coming directly from the action on screen. While it's one of the best built-in TV audio systems available, a dedicated soundbar is still recommended for a truly immersive home theater experience.

Verdict

The Sony BRAVIA 8 II is a phenomenal television that plays to Sony's greatest strengths. While other TVs may chase higher brightness numbers, the BRAVIA 8 II focuses on delivering the most accurate, natural, and cinematic picture possible. Its processor is simply in a class of its own, rendering every scene with a level of detail and realism that is truly captivating.

For movie lovers and videophiles who prioritize picture fidelity above all else, the Sony BRAVIA 8 II is an exceptional choice. It's a masterclass in how intelligent processing can elevate a great panel into an extraordinary one.